Let's hear it for lists! They collect, they collate, they commemorate. Okay, maybe that doesn't sound so exciting, but you know what else lists do? Inspire immortality.

Think Ted Williams going 6-for-8 in a season-ending doubleheader in 1941 to crack the .400 club. Or Shaq joining the Celtics this summer to try to catch Kobe in rings. When it comes to all-time career lists, some jocks will do anything to attain key marks. After going 7-15 at the age of 42, Early Wynn was released by the White Sox in November 1962. He came back to spring training the next year, got cut, signed with Cleveland, pitched primarily out of the bullpen, earned one more win, then retired. Why? That last victory was his 300th, putting Wynn in line for the Hall of Fame.